I like the KDE desktop, but The menu is very clumsy to use. This is partly because there is no back button in the applications menu. I like the classic menu best especially since the categories pop out in a list when you hover over it; however, it looks so plain. Can anyone give me a suggestion for a aesthetically pleasing menu that is easy to use?

As "orbmiser' said. Perhaps you might like the "Lancelot" menu better? I prefer it. Its easier to use for me, and quite functional.Take a look, its there (installed by default). There are many themes available for it, if you don't like the default..

+1 for Lancelot menu. I find it rich with additional features such as mounting drives, pinging your online contacts, open unread mails,etc . Thats the menu i use on my Cairo Dock. More here.Someone suggested me thisin G+ plus page though not sure if there is a back button.